Full-Time

Senior Business Development Manager

Satellites

Updated on 3/13/2025

Rocket Lab USA

Rocket Lab USA

1,001-5,000 employees

Provides launch services and spacecraft solutions

Compensation Overview

$160k - $215kAnnually

Senior, Expert

No H1B Sponsorship

Long Beach, CA, USA

Candidates must be U.S. citizens or lawful U.S. permanent residents.

US Top Secret Clearance, US Citizenship Required

Category
Business Development
Business & Strategy
Requirements
  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline.
  • 10+ years of experience in business development, program management, or systems engineering within the aerospace sector.
  • In-depth knowledge of government acquisition processes, government contracting, and the national security landscape.
  • Proven track record of securing large (>$20M) contracts and managing strategic relationships within the aerospace industry.
  • Active TS/SCI security clearance.
Responsibilities
  • Lead business development initiatives focused on satellite solutions for defense applications in coordination with the Director of Business Development – Satellites.
  • Develop and execute capture strategies for securing large defense or civil space contracts, including those with government agencies and prime contractors.
  • Engage with key customer stakeholders to build and maintain long-term relationships, ensuring Rocket Lab’s solutions align with their evolving needs.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to prepare and deliver compelling proposals that meet customer requirements and win new business.
  • Monitor industry trends and competitor activities to inform and adapt our business development strategies.
  • Grow existing business opportunities and nurture relationships with existing customers to develop additional business opportunities.
  • Create new business opportunities and relationships by presenting Rocket Lab’s capabilities/experience to provide satellite solutions – including bus offerings and complete satellites to meet mission requirements.
  • Lead and/or participate in proposal activities, including generation of technical, management, cost, schedule, and proposal content for new business.
  • Develop strong relationships across all levels of the business to ensure alignment, efficiency, and collaboration, including coordinating with stakeholders.
  • Represent Rocket Lab at industry conferences and customer meetings.
  • Travel as needed for business opportunities.
  • Other duties as assigned or required.
Desired Qualifications
  • Master’s degree in aerospace engineering or related engineering field; or business.
  • Specialization in US government business development, with deep experience selling to US national security (Space Force, NRO, SDA, etc.) or US Civil Space (NASA, NOAA, etc.).
  • Demonstrable record of success in business development, sales, program management and/or engineering of satellite systems, payloads, or platforms.
  • Extensive awareness of current/ongoing US Government national security or civil space satellite programs.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
  • Experience leading, managing, and growing geographically disperse teams on fast-paced projects.
  • Proficient in all Microsoft Suite products, including MS Project.
  • General knowledge of industry specific technical requirements and quality requirements.
  • Experience using customer relationship management (CRM) software.
  • Experience with proposal development, writing, and best practice capture processes, and ability to independently complete cost and technical proposals.
  • Experience working with subject matter experts to collect and create compelling proposal content and detailed responses.

Rocket Lab provides comprehensive space solutions, including launch services, spacecraft components, and satellite management. Their main products are the Electron rocket, which is designed for small satellite launches, and the Photon satellite platform, which supports various missions, including those for NASA. The Electron rocket has gained popularity for its reliability, becoming the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket since its debut in 2018, successfully delivering over 100 satellites into orbit. Rocket Lab differentiates itself from competitors by offering a streamlined approach to accessing space, with multiple launch sites and a focus on affordability and efficiency. The company's goal is to make space more accessible for both private and public sector organizations, facilitating advancements in areas like national security, scientific research, and climate monitoring.

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

IPO

Headquarters

Long Beach, California

Founded

2006

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Growing small satellite market aligns with Rocket Lab's launch services.
  • U.S. Department of Defense increasing investment in space technologies benefits Rocket Lab.
  • Global space economy projected to grow over $1 trillion by 2040.

What critics are saying

  • Technical challenges may delay Neutron rocket's sea-based landing platform.
  • Securities fraud lawsuit could result in financial penalties and reputational damage.
  • Increased competition from Flatellite model may pressure pricing and margins.

What makes Rocket Lab USA unique

  • Rocket Lab's Electron is the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually.
  • Photon platform supports NASA missions to Moon, Mars, and private Venus mission.
  • Neutron rocket development focuses on reusable technology and sea-based landings.

Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Paid Vacation

Paid Sick Leave

Paid Holidays

Paid Parental Leave

401(k) Retirement Plan

401(k) Company Match

Flexible Spending Account

Company Equity

Wellness Program

Phone/Internet Stipend

Childcare Support

Gym Membership

Employee Discounts

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Professional Development Budget

Conference Attendance Budget

Flexible Work Hours

Hybrid Work Options

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

0%

1 year growth

0%

2 year growth

0%
Space.com
Mar 9th, 2025
Rocket Lab unveils plan to land Neutron rockets at sea, 1st launch in 2025

Additionally, Rocket Lab has unveiled a plan to modify an offshore barge, which they've named "Return on Investment."

Investing.com
Mar 3rd, 2025
Rocket Lab aids in successful lunar mission

Rocket Lab, established in 2006, has a proven track record with its Electron launch vehicle and is developing the larger Neutron launch vehicle for constellation deployment.

3DPrint
Mar 3rd, 2025
"Return on Investment": Rocket Lab Unveils Sea-Based Landing Platform for Its 3D Printed Rockets

Rocket Lab has acquired the 400-foot barge from the New Orleans marine transportation firm Canal Barge Inc., and plans to have the platform operational in 2026.

Business Wire
Mar 3rd, 2025
RKLB INVESTOR NOTICE: Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP Announces that Rocket Lab USA, Inc. Investors with Substantial Losses Have Opportunity to Lead Class Action Lawsuit

RKLB INVESTOR NOTICE: Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP announces that Rocket Lab USA, Inc. investors with substantial losses have opportunity to lead Class Action lawsuit.

Cerebral Overload
Mar 2nd, 2025
Rocket Lab Announces Flatellite: A new Satellite Designed for Mass Manufacture and Tailored for Large Constellations

Rocket Lab USA, Inc (Nasdaq: RKLB) ("Rocket Lab" or "the Company"), a leading launch and space systems company, today introduced Flatellite, a new satellite that can be produced in high volumes and tailored for large constellations, targeting high value applications and national security missions.